butcher block countertop

Butcher Block Countertop - A Traditional Look That Goes With Modern Design

A butcher block countertop conveys a practical and traditional appearance to kitchens that have one, but, because of the variations in the hue of the wood, fits in beautifully with most kitchen decorating ideas and nearly every style, including kitchens done in the more modern look of stainless steel.

Butcher block counter tops are ideal work surfaces because they are nearly indestructible yet do not dull expensive cutlery or mar cooking utensils.

Butcher blocks were first produced in the 1880's when manufacturers realized laminated wood cutting surfaces were a solution to problems butchers in the meat cutting industry had had for years.

Easy to maintain and clean, durable and, if properly treated, not subject to warping or drying out,  butcher blocks have now become the standard in home kitchens everywhere.

Strength, Durability, and Stability

Butcher blocks are blocks of wood, often Hardrock Maple or other tight-grained woods, glued edge or end grain for strength, durability, and stability of the wood.

While many butcher blocks are fitted on kitchen islands and carts with additional storage, those are very often end-grain squared blocks.

Counters of butcher block, on the other hand, are usually fastened edge-grain in lengths, which can 'lengthen' the appearance of the kitchen.

Countertops made of butcher block have the added advantage of being removed fairly easily and resurfaced by planing and sanding, thereby extending their useful life.

Burn marks and other damage are not the serious matter they would be on other countertop surfaces, and many stains can be removed with a piece of sandpaper block.

Countertops made of butcher block require special care, as well, moisture and preparation of meats on the wood can encourage bacteria.

The counter should be cleaned with a bleach or vinegar solution regularly and the surface treated with mineral oil to block moisture and prevent drying out.

For more information on choosing the latest designs see here.